Obituaries : Phillip Lyle Barkdoll

Phillip Lyle Barkdoll, 87, of Vinton, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on September 2nd, with loving family by his side throughout his last days.  His wife Linda, his angel, was his constant source of strength, comfort, and care.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 7th at Phillips Funeral Home (212 E. 6th Street) in Vinton from 4PM to 7PM.  
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 8th at 10:00 AM at Phillips Funeral Home, followed by a private family burial.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital at the University of Iowa.
A celebration luncheon will take place at Phil’s favorite spot—his beloved cabin—at approximately 1PM , located at 5642 22nd Ave Trail, Vinton IA 52349

Born in Garrison, Iowa, on September 9, 1937, to Gerald and Isabelle (Arthur) Barkdoll, Phil was one of twelve children, ten boys and two girls. He attended school in Garrison from kindergarten through graduation, and his small-town upbringing shaped the big-hearted, big-dreaming man he became.

Phil was first married to Dollie Formanek, and together they had four children: Debi, Wanda, Steve, and Jeff. Later he found his soulmate in Linda Hickey, who brought five children into the fold: Kim, Lori, Susie, Jeff, and Jason. Their families blended seamlessly into one magical, loving unit, proof that love knows no boundaries and that family is built on connection, laughter, and shared memories.

Phil wore many hats throughout his life: Tuck Pointer, General Contractor, Auctioneer, Poker player, Farmer, but he was most famously known as a race car driver. From 1984 to 1997, he raced part-time in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series participating in 5 Daytona 500’s. 

But Phil’s greatest victories weren’t won on the racetrack, they were earned at home, in the hearts of those who loved him. He was the architect of joy, the master of mischief, and the heartbeat of his family. His wild sense of humor and lightning-fast wit could turn any ordinary moment into a comedy show. Whether he was cracking jokes, pulling pranks, or telling stories that left everyone in stitches, Phil had a gift for making people laugh, and he used it generously.

His happy place was the cabin and park he built along the Cedar River in Vinton, a magical retreat where generations of family, friends and grandchildren gathered for treasure hunts, boating adventures, bonfires, fishing, golf ball driving contests, and sunny days at “Grandma’s Beach.” The memories he created will echo through generations, stitched into the fabric of a family that was, and always will be, his proudest creation.

He split his time between Iowa and Arizona, but no matter where he was, he was always home when he was with Linda and family. 

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Marilyn Buresh and Leah Petersen; brothers Art Huebner, Karl, Jerry, Richard, Gale, and Robert (Bobby) Barkdoll; and children Kim Silver and Jeff Hickey.

He is survived by his wife Linda (Hickey) Barkdoll; brothers Allan and Don (Maggie) Barkdoll, Gary (Sandy) Sojka.  Children Debi (Mike) Luty, Wanda Barkdoll, Steve Barkdoll, Jeff (Brenda) Barkdoll, Corky Silver, Lori Link, Susie (Ben) Randolph, and Jason (Karrie) Barkdoll; along with 29 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren who will carry his stories, laughter, and love forward.

Phil Barkdoll lived life wide open, with a full tank and a heart overflowing. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories and his story will be told for generations.

Online Condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com